A new law that goes into effect on Tuesday will have an effect on thousands of homeless people in Florida. Camping in parks, on sidewalks, and on roadways is forbidden by House Bill 1365. It is mandatory for cities and counties to offer transitional housing to homeless people, along with mental and drug treatment services.
Mildred Forti, 43, claimed that she and her spouse, Miguel Santiago, have been without a place to live for a number of months in Miami.
“To be camping out in public as we are because we can’t find a place to live because the money he makes in his job is not enough for us anymore,” Forti stated. “This is another stupid law. We will start moving again and looking for a new place.”
“If you are sleeping in parks, on sidewalks, or anywhere in the open, you are in violation of the law as of tomorrow,” stated Ron Book, chairman of the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust.
“We are working feverishly to create more opportunities for shelter and housing,” Book continued. “We are looking at setting up a navigation center, which is a step below, if you will, what a normal shelter is. We hope to have it operational by the end of the year.”
Additionally, he stated that by December 31, 2024, more than 140 people would be housed in rental units at the La Quinta Hotel. Book was alluding to proposals to turn the La Quinta Hotel in Cutler Bay into senior affordable housing.
“We are building an 8-unit building in Overtown and 190 single-occupancy units for men near Krome,” Book stated. “We’ve also identified 80 additional beds for another shelter in the next 30 days.”
Book said he is dedicated to helping people in need and has worked with the homeless for decades.
He reported that 2,760 individuals are in shelters and 1,033 people are homeless in Miami-Dade County. There are 750 homeless people in Fort Lauderdale at the moment.
Pallet homes are being considered for addition in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County. In order to assist individuals in accessing services and long-term housing, Fort Lauderdale is also growing its outreach workforce.
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How law enforcement will implement the new law is one important question.
Police in Miami-Dade County stated that they are awaiting word from their legal counsel. According to Miami police, they will push for people to use local services and shelters.
In the meantime, Fort Lauderdale police announced that in order to help people find assistance, they have set up a community support center and a homeless outreach team.
Gregory Tony, the Broward Sheriff, has spoken his opinions on the matter. He stated on social media that “homelessness is not a crime, and BSO is not the solution.”
By: cbsnews.com
